lavender

[ lav-uhn-der ]

noun

1. a pale bluish purple.
2. any Old World plant or shrub belonging to the genus Lavandula, of the mint family, especially L. angustifolia, having spikes of fragrant, pale purple flowers.
3. the dried flowers or other parts of this plant placed among linen, clothes, etc., for scent or as a preservative.
4. Also called lav·en·der wa·ter [lav, -, uh, n-der waw-ter, wot-er] toilet water, aftershave, or the like, made with a solution of oil of lavender.

adjective

1. of the color lavender.
2. Informal.
   1. of or relating to gay male sexual orientation.
   2. (of a man) gay or effeminate.

lavender

/ ˈlævəndə /

noun

1. See sea lavender, spike lavender
   any of various perennial shrubs or herbaceous plants of the genus Lavandula, esp L. vera, cultivated for its mauve or blue flowers and as the source of a fragrant oil ( oil of lavender ): family Lamiaceae (labiates) See also spike lavender Compare sea lavender
2. the dried parts of L. vera, used to perfume clothes
3. 1. a pale or light bluish-purple to a very pale violet colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      lavender socks

4. perfume scented with lavender
5. informal.
   modifier of or relating to homosexuality

   lavender language

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavender¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English lavendre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin lavendula, variant of livendula, nasalized variant (unrecorded) of lividula “a plant livid in color”; livid none, -ule none

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavender¹

C13: lavendre, via French from Medieval Latin lavendula, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

You can either add a flower on top as a final garnish or create a lavender syrup to add a fresh, floral touch to any drink.

From Popular-Science

Sherman also pointed out the so-called “lavender scare” during which upwards of 1,000 State Department personnel lost their jobs because of their sexual orientation.

From Washington Blade

Hike the three miles of trails in Maury Island Marine Park, or cut your own lavender bunches at Lavender Hill Farm.

From Outside Online

On days I’m feeling more feminine, I have one that’s amber, lavender and vanilla.

From Washington Post

She found the lavender for her daughter-in-law, an “Elderberry Super Immunity Blend” for her son, and a “Crafty Christmas” card to accompany her traditional holiday basket gifts.

From Washington Post

New Orleanians loved the frilly, pale lavender flowers and gradually planted them as decorations around the city in garden ponds.

From The Daily Beast

To accompany breakfast or lunch, there's hibiscus lavender tea or locally roasted Bumper Crop coffee.

From The Daily Beast

Elias, the translator, knocks and a woman in a blue sweater-vest and lavender crocs answers.

From The Daily Beast

Also: pastel pink-and-lavender paint jobs, festooned with hearts and flowers.

From The Daily Beast

Lavender is very calming and can help settle your nerves, which explains why so many baby soaps come in lavender scent.

From The Daily Beast

Clean your tube regularly, and your amber mouthpiece with a feather dipped in spirits of lavender.

From Project Gutenberg

Here was a light-blue pair; there were some lavender, some all black and various shades of tan and gray.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked very neat and dainty as she sat there in her white lace cap and her lavender dress.

From Project Gutenberg

She was waving a twig of lavender, and little Martha was making grabs at it, and laughing her gurgling laugh of babyish glee.

From Project Gutenberg

As he entered, one of the maids rose from beside her mistress, bearing away the silver bowl of lavender water.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lilac
• violet